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Chemin des Dames, World War I battlefield. The Chemin des Dames is a ridge that runs along this plateau, located in north-eastern France between the valleys of the rivers Aisne and Ailette. It was the site of several battles on the Western Front during World War I (1914-1918), in particular, the Second Battle of the Aisne in 1917. The opposing armies at various times occupied and extended an ancient system of tunnels and caves (La Caverne du Dragon) dug from the limestone. Some are over 20 metres below ground. Carvings from World War I and earlier have been preserved, and can be seen on guided tours of the area.